Kayaking for a cause
September 16, 2009
About twenty kayakers glided down the Five Mile River
in Norwalk last week to raise awareness of the area's
often-overlooked marine treasures. "The non-invasive
nature of kayaking was perfect for [the cause],"
said Kim Beaumont, owner of Downunder Kayaking, the
kayak shop that sponsored the event. Proceeds benefited
Harbor Watch, a Norwalk Harbor water-monitoring program
operated through Westport nature center Earthplace.
It was the first fundraiser of its kind. During a
Downunder Kayaking event last year, Earthplace board
member Mary Meany thought an evening of "sunset
paddling" supporting Harbor Watch "might
be an interesting thing to do." Longtime Earthplace
supporter Beaumont has also volunteered her time testing
water on behalf of the program.
Since its inception in 1986, Harbor Watch has become
a useful tool for town conservation boards and area
fishermen alike. "We do our best to work together
with town officials on environmental issues,"
Director Dick Harris said. A range of volunteers from
high school students to senior citizens test waters
for dangerously high bacteria levels. "We're
focusing a lot on fecal coliform," said Harbor
Watch Associate Director Pete Fraboni. Harbor Watch
also measures salt content, temperature. "Over
the years we've accumulated a great body of data,"
Fraboni said.
In June, Harbor Watch opened a second lab at Norm
Bloom & Son, an oyster harvesting company
in South Norwalk. "Having a second facility right
near our research vessel, Annie, has been a tremendous
asset," Harris said. By monitoring the river
pollutants, Harris continued, Harbor Watch can help
the oyster company track the best times to farm the
oyster and clam beds.
"Some of what we encounter can have relatively
easy fixes," said Harbor Watch coastal water
technician Eric Sroka. Currently, Sroka is monitoring
storm drains with unusually high pollutant levels.
"Sometimes damage to the pipes themselves is
an issue," he said. "By fixing the pipes,
you can fix the problem."
Education can also build awareness. "People don't
always think about what goes into those storm drains,"
Beaumont said. "You could be walking your dog
and throw their droppings down the drain. Those droppings
can eventually go right into Long Island Sound and
raise the bacteria levels to unsafe numbers."
Another issue is the concern of illegal storm drain
hookups connected to older homes. This year the Department
of Agriculture's Bureau of Aquaculture awarded Harbor
Watch $50,000 to clean up those drains and replace
hookups, as well as hire Sroka. "We have a lot
of resources," Harris said. "I feel fortunate
for what we've been able to build."
Earthplace Assistant Development Director Frank Grazynski
said Harbor Watch was just one of the center's many
programs. Established in 1958, Grayzynski said Earthplace's
continuous goal is to connect families with nature
in a "fun and responsible" way. In addition
to its state-licensed nursery school and summer camp
programs, Earthplace houses various critters including
snakes, bats and guinea pigs.
Families can also meet "Animal Ambassadors"
including a pair of bald eagles, turkey vulutures
and a rare kestrel, a small breed of hawk. "These
animals have sustained various injuries preventing
them from returning to the wild," Grayznski said.
"But they provide great educational value to
us here."
Earthplace also has a number of nature trails, including
an asphalt walk designed for people with special needs.
On Sept. 27 Earthplace will hold its first annual
"Walk for Wildlife," a two-mile dog walk
for pets and their owners. "There will be many
activites for the dogs to enjoy, including obstacle
courses," said Senior Naturalist Linda Roberts.
"It's going to be a great day for the whole family."
After an hour atop the Filve Mile River, the Harbor
Watch supporters convened for a sunset dinner on the
dock adjacent to the Rowayton Market. The newly opened
Darien Liquor Shop provided select wines while Earthplace
board members provided sandwiches, crackers, fruit
and cheese.
"We were happy to have this event be a success,"
Beaumont said. Reflecting on kayaking's growing popularity,
Beaumont said kayaks are narrower and easier to maneuver
than canoes and other boats. "They can operate
in as little as five inches of water," she said.
"They don't produce any fumes or noise from engines.
You can really get up close to see what you want to.
It's a perfect way to enjoy wildlife."
For more information on Earthplace, visit http://www.earthplace.org.
For more information on area kayaking, visit http://www.downunderkayaking.com
Kayaking
for a cause
